In Latin America there is great enthusiasm for astronomy and interest in developing local observatories but there are few astronomers in these countries able to develop new talents. In 2007, members of the Astronomy Institute at Mexico’s National University and the Instituto Nacional de AstronomiÃŒÂa, OÃŒÂptica y ElectroÃŒÂnica developed a short course including theoretical lectures with nightly observations for undergraduate students. The National Observatory in Tonanzintla hosts Latin American School of Observational Astronomy to take advantage of its 1m telescope and various smaller telescopes. Since its inception 96 students have completed the course, and many are now doing graduate studies.
